Solar Power Blog

Do Solar Panels Work in the Winter?

Jan 31, 2021

One of the most common questions we get here at Solar Us, is "do solar panels work in the winter?" Or "do solar lights work in the winter?" We touch on this a little on our Solar Power FAQ page, but since we offer so many products relating to these topics, we thought it would be a great idea to do a special piece on the effects of winter on solar power. In this piece, you should leave with the ultimate knowledge on how winter can affect solar panels and solar energy in general. In order to better outline this we are going to separate this out by utility scale solar, residential solar panels, and home solar lighting. Does Winter...

How to dispose of consumer solar products: A complete guide to responsible recycling and disposal

Jan 29, 2021

Small solar-powered products are a great way to go green for your wallet and the planet. But once it reaches the end of its useful life, that doesn't mean the legacy of green needs to end. Here are some steps you can take to ensure your old solar products end up in the circular economy, not the landfill. What are small consumer solar products? Small consumer solar products are becoming increasingly popular. The ability to perform a plethora of functions with nothing but the power of the sun is incredibly convenient and saves money in the long run. Common solar powered consumer products include: Fence post lights Battery charger banks Landscape lights Security lights Small solar panels Other products like...

Solar Us Shop Becomes Green Business Certified!

Jan 29, 2021

DIY Wind Turbine Kits: A Guide for Small-Scale Renewable Power

Jan 26, 2021

Here at Solar-Us-Shop, we do not discriminate against any energy choices, so long as they are renewable. While solar is in our name (and always in our hearts), we fully support the rapid growth of wind power in the United States.  Of course, we can’t all be the Alta Wind Energy Center, which is the largest wind-energy power plant in the country. Instead, homesteaders, experimentalists, penny-pinchers, and renewable energy enthusiasts have the opportunity to harness wind power with a DIY wind turbine kit.  In this article, we will break down the logistics, cost, and considerations of modern DIY wind turbine kits before recommending a few products for small-scale renewable energy production.  If you cannot find what you are looking for...

The 10 Best Outdoor Solar Lights of 2021

Jan 18, 2021

  With 2020 in the books, it is time to take a look at what we believe to be the 10 best Solar lights for your outdoor space in 2021. At Solar Us Shop, we pride ourselves on the ability to source premium solar lighting. In this comprehensive list, we have picked out some of our best sellers, as well as some new products we are sure you will love!    Our Top Solar Picks   1. Best Overall Solar Lights: Colonial Fence Post Cap Lights To date, the Colonial Solar Powered Fence Post Caps by Classy Caps are one of our top sellers. Get a set of 2 for the low price of $59.99 2. Best Solar Pathway Lights: Nottingham...

ETFE Solar Panels, PV Technology in Simple Terms

Jan 15, 2021

ETFE solar panels are yet another acronym in the fast-moving field of renewable energy. With PV (photovoltaic) technology striving to lower GHGs (greenhouse gases), it can be difficult to stay up to date with the latest innovations in solar energy.  Solar Us Shop is dedicated to breaking down complex renewable energy lingo into simple terms for everyone to understand. In 2021, ETFE solar panels are one of the most commonly searched terms, so we would like to define what they are and put them into perspective with other commonly heard terms.  In this article, we hope to answer any questions you may have about ETFE solar panels and provide a better understanding of how they fit in with today’s technology.   What...

Biden’s Clean Energy Plan May Usher a Golden Age of Renewable Energy

Dec 23, 2020

Biden has laid out the most comprehensive clean energy plan of any president in United States history. And it comes at the eleventh hour: On Biden's first day in office, the world will have 9 years left to prevent the worst consequences of climate change. Biden's Clean Energy Revolution and Environmental Justice plan intends to create a near-zero grid in 15 years, with aggressive economic and justice elements to boot, including: Levy executive action to not only reverse Trump-era policies affecting the environment, but to create even more effective energy and environmental policy: Methane pollution limits for new and existing oil and gas operations Improved fuel economy standards designed to ensure all light and medium duty vehicles eventually reach zero emissions, as...

Power Packs for Camping: Extra Battery Life in the Outdoors

Dec 16, 2020

Providing a little extra charge overnight, power packs for camping make it possible to continuously run electronics in the outdoors. Whether it is your phone, flashlight, or portable speaker, it is always nice to have spare electricity around when car camping or spending the night deep in the backcountry. Solar-Us-Shop makes it easy to bring the power of the sun (and other great renewable energies) to outdoor enthusiasts anywhere in the world. Power packs for camping are one of the most recognizable uses of the technology today, so we’d like to provide this no-nonsense guide for anyone looking to learn more about small portable packs of solar power.  In this article, we will define power packs for camping, explain how they work,...

Solar Christmas Lights for a Sun-Powered Holiday Season

Dec 01, 2020

Decorating your home with lights during the holiday season is a fun and time-honored tradition. The only downside is the increased electric bill that usually follows. Luckily, that no longer has to be the case. With solar powered Christmas lights and decorations, you can have the same festive look while ultimately saving on electricity and the associated costs.  Here at Solar-us-shop.com, we’ve come together to bring you a complete guide to holiday solar lights. We’ll explain all the pros and cons, highlight the benefits of the models we believe to be the best on the market, and even offer a look at some practical solar alternatives.  Whether you’re looking to lower your holiday utility bills, or wanting to invest in...

Taking a Look at Electric Vehicles in 2020 and Beyond

Nov 25, 2020

Are electric cars really eco-friendly? When consumer electric vehicles (EVs) first hit the roads over a decade ago, they promised to be the next big thing in clean transportation. The 2008 Tesla Roadster was the first of the modern highway production electric cars available on the market, but its steep price tag made it untouchable to all but the most affluent EV enthusiasts. But average consumers looking to scratch their interest in EVs didn't have to wait long. The Nissan Leaf, unveiled in 2010, became the first all-electric family car made for the masses, and arguably the most successful. The “dirty” side of electric vehicles But there was a problem: Then, like now, EVs got their power from the grid,...

Solar Suitcases: Foldable, Renewable, & Free Electricity

Nov 20, 2020

Solar suitcases, sometimes referred to as solar briefcases, allow you to access free solar energy from any location. The compact and portable design of solar suitcases makes them easy to transport and a breeze to set up. Don’t worry, their smaller size doesn’t mean they won’t deliver all the power you need to charge your electronic devices or run small appliances. Here at Solar-us-shop.com, we’ve compiled this complete guide to solar suitcases so that our readers and customers can find what works best for them. Whether you’re looking for some extra power on your next camping or RV trip or wanting to prepare for any unexpected power outages, we’ll lead you through all the pros, cons, and potential uses for...

The Economy and Renewable Energy Outlook Post Covid-19 Pandemic

Nov 13, 2020

Renewable, clean energy is the best option for jobs and affordability in a post-COVID economy We've were all thrown a curve ball in 2020. The renewable energy sector was no different. The sector was expected to grow 5.3% in 2020. Based on per-pandemic baselines, this could have meant a total of 3.53 million jobs in the sector. But amidst the coronavirus pandemic, it has shrunk by 13.8%, leading to a deficit of 655,000 jobs compared with pre-COVID projections. Despite pandemic woes, clean energies have generally fared better than their fossil fuel counterparts, outperforming in job creation and affordability. Renewables and natural gas ring death toll for coal, but renewables may have last word Coal and crude oil prices have dropped staggeringly since...

Solar Kits: The Best Way to Power Your Life with the Sun

Nov 10, 2020

In today’s world, more and more people are turning to renewable energies for both financial and environmental reasons. With today’s technology and prices, it is possible to purchase and build small off-grid renewable energy power sources for use at home or on the go.  At Solar Us Shop, we are committed to delivering the absolute best products to electricity consumers looking to go a bit greener. For this reason, we’d like to formally introduce solar kits to our collection of high-quality sun-powered products. In this article, we will dive deep into what solar kits are, how they work, and what makes them a great power solution for a growing number of people.  What are Solar Kits?  Alright first things first,...